The Pars, who finished runners-up behind Rangers in League One last season, were without suspended captain Josh Falkingham for the first match of the campaign. Brechin narrowly escaped relegation as they finished eighth and Andy Stirling was absent after picking up an injury in pre-season.

Craig Molloy nearly put the visitors into a 10th-minute lead as his long-range shot was plucked out of the air by stopper Ryan Scully and Ross Forbes fired a chance over the bar for Athletic. The Pars' Michael Moffat also pulled a good opportunity wide before the break.

Faissal El Bakhtaoui and Lewis Spence had efforts saved by Brechin keeper Graeme Smith, and soon after Robert Thomson was denied by Dunfermline keeper Ryan Scully at the other end.

With 10 minutes remaining, Thomson's shot struck the post and it was the final chance as neither side took risks in the game's closing stages.